ian hicks: character collapse

So Low's third release is a five-track EP from Ian Hicks, formerly one half of Soft Metals. Ian also appeared on the label's Now And Then compilation EP. Here he commands his own release and sets the synths to stun with five tracks of analog waves ranging from the XTC bliss-out of "Character Collapse" and "Depths Of Psyche" to the shockwave klang of "Chemical Environments" and "Specter", perhaps leaving the very best to last with the ultimate hypno, sex slug groove of "Continuous". Subliminal vocals. Wrecked drum boxes. Synths spiraling. Full-color picture sleeve designed by Katie Shannon.